NHL schedule: Five questions for Thursday

USA TODAY Sports

A daily feature which asks the five hardest-hitting questions imaginable about this day in the NHL. Will our quandaries be answered? (That doesn't count as one of the five questions.)

1. Will the Chicago Blackhawks extend their point-streak?

You knew this was coming as soon as you clicked the link. It's at 19 games and has a chance to go to 20 with a win or overtime loss against the St. Louis Blues. Chicago won the first meeting between the two teams, 3-2.

2. How will Jordan Staal fare in his first game against the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Originally selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, Staal turned down a 10-year, $60 million offer from the Penguins so that he could have the chance to play with his older brother Eric. The Penguins later traded him to the Hurricanes to allow him to do so. Both sides have expressed mutual respect for one another. Will Jordan do anything noteworthy in the contest?

3. Whose winning-streak will still be intact on Friday morning? The Boston Bruins or Ottawa Senators?

The Northeast Division is quickly turning into one of the most competitive divisions in hockey. The Senators will carry a five-game winning streak into Thursday night, while the Bruins have a four-game streak. With both teams playing each other, one of the streaks is going to end.

4. Will the Edmonton Oilers hold the Dallas Stars to less than three goals?

The Stars have turned into an offensive machine in February. The team has scored three goals or more in all but one of their 13 games in the season's second month. With Edmonton coming to town on Thursday night, will the Stars close out the month with their 12th consecutive game with three goals or more?

5. Will Rick Nash play on Thursday night?

We think he had a concussion, but the New York Rangers won't address the situation, so nobody knows for sure. It seems like he will be returning on Thursday, but no announcement has been made either. If he plays, we want to know how he did.